Tell us a little bit about yourself: what do you do for a living? Or what has
been your life journey so far?
Hellooo! My name’s Pooneh and I’m a music photographer! I guess as far as my life
journey - I grew up in San Antonio, then as a teen started going to shows in Austin
all the time to see my favorite bands play, got obsessively into film photography as
a hobby (big part thanks to Lomography), then moved to Austin after high school
which is when I was really able to hone in and bring my love of music and
photography together in a real way (there’s truly no other music community like
Austin). But yeah, 10+ years later, it’s a job that takes me to some fun places and I
definitely don’t take it for granted. There are so many different ways to approach
capturing the music world as well. From touring to festivals, club shows, album
shoots, recording sessions, I love all of it.
What are ways you find inspiration when you’re not feeling creative?
Honestly, a lot of the quieter moments alone just listening to music, whether it’s in
my room, walking around a new city, stuck in traffic, whatever, have sparked some
of my biggest moments of inspiration. Or things like researching/teaching myself
another photography skill, experimenting with new ideas without any expectations,
and remembering that there’s always something to learn. Also, meeting/
connecting with other photographers that are driven, genuine, and share
excitement, frustration, etc, over the same things that I do in the world of
photography is definitely encouraging.
What activities (indoor or outdoor) are most important to you?
Whatever gives me the perfect balance of sanity and productivity, haha. So getting
enough sleep, making an effort to go out and find new things to photograph,
seeing my friends, making a list of important goals and following through, and of
course occasionally just lounging in my robe watching Seinfeld.
How do you interact with your home? What is your favorite room in your
house and why?
With the amount I travel in this line of work, being at home and sleeping in my
actual bed is a luxury when I get to do it! It’s definitely my fortress of comfort in
what is otherwise a pretty chaotic lifestyle. It’s there for me when I’m exhausted
after a long tour, or need to lock myself away from the world to edit for days on
end, or if I just need to cuddle with my dog and reboot.
What are some self care practices you find helpful?
Sleeping enough, the occasional YouTube workout, not eating whataburger
multiple times a week, learning to take things easy and that getting stressed never
helps a situation, not procrastinating, just incorporating what seem like small changes that have altogether impacted my mental health and energy in a massive
way.
Have you ever considered yourself a robe person?
I’m just waiting for the tour with a mandatory robe uniform.
What’s your favorite Great Indoors robe pattern?
It’s a hard choice, but the Spectre one is SO sick. Adore the green pattern and I
can honestly almost see myself wearing it as a coat? Haha.
